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When he wanted to continue his career as a quarterback, it was the Als who offered Brady a coaching position, an opportunity to grow in a culture that would set the standard in the CFL.

As a player, his Als teammates were Anthony Calvillo, Jamel Richardson and Scott Flory, to name a few.

On Thursday, Brady returns to Montreal for the first time as a visiting coach, joining Scott Milanovich’s staff as Toronto’s offensive co-ordinator this off-season.

“The relationships, the Grey Cup wins, those are what I’ll always remember,’’ said Brady, whose days as a quarterback also included stops in Toronto and Hamilton. “I had some strong relationships with guys I played with and later coaches.

“I still keep in touch, sending texts on occasions such as Father’s Day.”

It was during his time in Toronto when Brady began to consider life after football, at least from a playing perspective.

Star slotback Derrell (Mookie) Mitchell referred to Brady as “O-C.’’

“I always loved the mental part of the game,’’ said Brady. “I knew I wanted to coach, but was I ready?

“I felt I still could have played at the time.”

Brady would play indoor football and could have auditioned as a backup quarterback in the CFL.

When Als GM Jim Popp offered Brady an opportunity to serve as an Als assistant, he jumped on it.

“I’m happy with the decision,’’ smiled Brady.

No one knows what the future holds for Brady, but he has clearly made an impression in Argoland in his first season.

Offensive co-ordinators in a pass-happy league such as the CFL can be as important as a capable head coach.

Brady and Milanovich see the game the same way and have a comfort level that reflects in how Toronto gameplans its offence.

Milanovich is very hands on when it comes to gameplanning that week’s opposing defence, but he allows Brady to do the play calling on game day.

During the week, they split up the offensive meetings.

Both have also had the unique opportunity of working with Calvillo and Ricky Ray, two of the best passing quarterbacks the CFL has ever seen, two hall of famers who have combined to win five Grey Cups.

“Personality wise, they are both meticulous about their work,’’ said Brady. “They want to know every read, where to go with the ball. And they are both good guys.”

Calvillo is known for his quick release, while Ray is known for his touch on the ball.

As an offensive co-ordinator, a role Brady served in Montreal under Marc Trestman, there’s a degree of comfort knowing you can draw up a scheme and neither quarterback will get flustered.

“They’re both well prepared,’’ Brady said of A.C. and Ray. “They know exactly what they are trying to do in those different schemes.”

Argos coach has deep ties to Als

When he wanted to continue his career as a quarterback, it was the Als who offered Brady a coaching position, an opportunity to grow in a culture that would set the standard in the CFL.

As a player, his Als teammates were Anthony Calvillo, Jamel Richardson and Scott Flory, to name a few.

On Thursday, Brady returns to Montreal for the first time as a visiting coach, joining Scott Milanovich’s staff as Toronto’s offensive co-ordinator this off-season.

“The relationships, the Grey Cup wins, those are what I’ll always remember,’’ said Brady, whose days as a quarterback also included stops in Toronto and Hamilton. “I had some strong relationships with guys I played with and later coaches.

“I still keep in touch, sending texts on occasions such as Father’s Day.”

It was during his time in Toronto when Brady began to consider life after football, at least from a playing perspective.